Furniture and joint systems

ABSTRACT

Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention a joint system comprising an asymmetrical mortise into which an asymmetrical tenon fits. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateral structure that incorporates a rotational lockdown component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/606,947, filed Sep. 4, 2004, now pending, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/714,059 filed Sep. 1, 2005, now pending,the disclosures of which patent applications are incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to furniture systems and structures havinginterlocking joints. In particular, the invention relates toasymmetrical joint systems and furniture having interlocking components.

The background art is characterized by U.S. Pat. Nos. 291,032; 348,252;471,697; 706,763; 1,534,468; 1,833,081; 2,279,864; 2,562,497; 3,021,187;3,379,483; 3,549,019; 3,612,289; 3,625,163; 3,664,011; 3,784,273;3,806,124; 3,885,675; 4,015,716; 4,044,448; 4,110,946; 4,158,421;4,596,195; 4,651,651; 4,739,887; 4,750,794; 4,782,972; 4,937,993;5,114,265; 5,328,289; 5,423,357; 5,499,886; 5,653,366; 5,688,030;5,803,561; 6,004,065; 6,127,019; 6,164,477; 6,283,668; 6,325,568;6,413,007; 6,637,608; 6,675,979 and 6,726,397; the disclosures of whichpatents are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Sheffer in U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,651 discloses shelving units. Thisinvention is limited in that it incorporates shelving joints that havesix contacting surfaces. Moreover, the joint mortises are formed bylamination.

Short et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,886 discloses a coupling assemblyfor furniture components. This invention is limited in that itincorporates a T-shaped tenon.

Liserre in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,366 discloses a locking storagecontainer. This invention is limited in that it incorporates a flushjoint that has six contacting surfaces (see his FIG. 3).

Lambright in U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,007 discloses a joint assembly. Thisinvention is limited in that is discloses a flange joint that has fivecontacting surfaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to provide joint systems andinterlocking joints for quadrilaterals (four-sided structures) and otherstructures. One advantage is that conventional router bits can be usedto construct the joint systems disclosed herein. Another advantage ofthe invention is that no tools are required to assemble the furniturekits disclosed herein.

The invention involves asymmetrical joints and other interlockingstructural components and structures that incorporate them, including adiamond back bookshelf, a rotational lockdown cube, a stool and apedestal. These inventions provide joint systems and structuralcomponents that can be incorporated into a variety of quadrilaterals andother structures.

These joint systems are preferably created by using two symmetricalrouter bits with the second router bit passing over part of the path ofthe first router bit path, creating an asymmetric path, and, thus, anasymmetric joint. Preferred router bits to be used to construct thejoint systems disclosed herein are a conventional T-slot cutter and astraight slot cutter. Moreover, the asymmetric joints disclosed hereinare of a three-axis design making the cutting of these joints possiblewithout removing the material from the table of a computer numericcontrolled (CNC) milling machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a joint system comprising:an asymmetrically-shaped female component having a first set ofdimensions; and an asymmetrically-shaped male component that interlockswith said female component, said asymmetrically-shaped male componenthaving a second set of dimensions; wherein said asymmetrically-shapedfemale component has at least seven surfaces and saidasymmetrically-shaped male component has at least seven connectingsurfaces that contact said at least seven surfaces when the joint systemis assembled. Preferably, said female component and said male componentsare fabricatable with a router that is capable of cutting a slot havingthe shape of a right prism. Preferably, said female component isfabricatable from a first workpiece having one thickness and said malecomponent is fabricatable from a second workpiece having substantiallythe same thickness; and wherein said dimensions are a multiple of aboutone sixth or about one third of said same thickness. Preferably, each ofsaid first set of dimensions and each of said second set of dimensionsare substantially equal to two thirds, one third or one sixth of saidthickness. Preferably, the female component makes up about half of thematerial within the joint proper and the male component makes up abouthalf of the material within the joint proper.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a quadrilateralstructure that incorporates a diamond-shaped bracing system disclosedherein. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is aquadrilateral structure that incorporates a rotational lockdowncomponent. In preferred embodiment, these quadrilateral structuresincorporate one or more of the asymmetrical joint systems disclosedherein.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlocking shelf jointsystem for joining members at a right angle to one another (e.g.,joining a horizontal shelf to a vertical support), said interlockingjoint system comprising: a first member comprising an outer surface intowhich a mortise having a full depth is formed, said mortise beingbounded by a first mortise-forming surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to said outer surface and that extends from said outersurface to the full depth of said mortise, a second mortise-formingsurface that is substantially parallel to said outer surface at the fulldepth of said mortise, said first mortise-forming surface and saidsecond mortise-forming surface intersecting at a first mortise corner, athird mortise-forming surface that is substantially perpendicular tosaid outer surface and that extends from said second mortise-formingsurface toward said outer surface but does not reach said outer surface,said second mortise-forming surface and said third mortise-formingsurface intersecting in a second mortise corner, a fourthmortise-forming surface that is substantially parallel to said outersurface and that extends toward said first mortise-forming surface butdoes not reach said first mortise surface, said third mortise-formingsurface and said fourth mortise-forming surface intersecting in a thirdmortise corner, and a fifth mortise-forming surface that issubstantially perpendicular to said outer surface and that extends tosaid outer surface, said fourth mortise-forming surface and said fifthmortise-forming surface intersecting in a fourth mortise corner, and; asecond member comprising a tenon that is configured to fit tightly intosaid mortise.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlocking shelfjoint system for joining members at right angles to one another, saidinterlocking joint system comprising: a first member comprising twosubstantially parallel outer surfaces and a tenon having a full depthand a full width, said tenon being bounded by a first tenon surface thatis in the same plane as one of said outer surfaces and that extends thefull depth of the tenon, a second tenon surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to said first tenon surface and that extends the fullwidth of said tenon, said first tenon surface and said second tenonsurface intersecting at a first tenon corner, a third tenon surface thatis in the same plane as the other of said outer surfaces and thatextends from said second tenon surface in the same plane as the other ofsaid outer surfaces a distance that is less than the full depth of saidtenon, said second tenon surface and said third tenon surfaceintersecting at a second tenon corner, a fourth tenon surface that issubstantially perpendicular to said outer surfaces and that extendstoward said first tenon surface less than the full width of said tenon,said third tenon surface and said fourth tenon surface intersecting at athird tenon corner, and a fifth tenon surface that extends from saidfourth tenon surface substantially parallel to said outer surfaces, saidfourth tenon surface and said fifth tenon surface intersecting at afourth tenon corner; and a mortise into which said tenon fits.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a shelf jointsystem comprising: a first workpiece having a mortise formed by passinga T-slot cutter through the first workpiece to produce a T-shaped slothaving overhanging edges and by passing a straight-slot cutter throughthe first workpiece to remove one of the overhanging edges; and a tenonformed by passing a straight-slot cutter through a second workpiece toproduce an interlocking member shaped so as to slide tightly into saidmortise.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlockingshelf joint system comprising: a first piece having an asymmetricalmortise, said asymmetrical mortise being formed by a first cantileverthat is a portion of said first piece; and a second piece having anasymmetrical tenon, said asymmetrical tenon being formed by a secondcantilever that is a part of said second piece.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlocking flangejoint system for joining members at right angles to one another (e.g.,joining a horizontal flange-like plate to a vertical support), saidinterlocking joint system comprising: a first member comprising an outersurface into which a mortise having a full depth and a full width isformed, said mortise being bounded by a first mortise-forming surfacethat is substantially perpendicular to said outer surface and thatextends from said outer surface to less than the full depth of saidmortise, a second mortise-forming surface that is substantially parallelto said outer surface at less than the full depth of said mortise, saidfirst mortise-forming surface and said second mortise-forming surfaceintersecting at a first mortise corner, a third mortise-forming surfacethat is substantially perpendicular to said outer surface and thatextends from said second mortise-forming surface to the full depth ofthe mortise, said second mortise-forming surface and said thirdmortise-forming surface intersecting in a second mortise corner, afourth mortise-forming surface that is substantially parallel to saidouter surface and that extends across the full width of said mortise atthe full depth of said mortise, said third mortise-forming surface andsaid fourth mortise-forming surface intersecting in a third mortisecorner, and a fifth mortise-forming surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to said outer surface and that extends toward said outersurface but does not reach said outer surface, said fourthmortise-forming surface and said fifth mortise-forming surfaceintersecting in a fourth mortise corner, a sixth mortise-forming surfacethat is substantially parallel to said outer surface at less than thefull depth of said mortise, said fifth mortise-forming surface and saidsixth mortise-forming mortise surface intersecting at a fifth mortisecorner, and a seventh mortise-forming surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to said outer surface and that extends from said sixthmortise-forming surface to said outer surface, said sixthmortise-forming surface and said seventh mortise-forming mortise surfaceintersecting at a six mortise corner and; a second member comprising atenon that is configured to fit tightly into said mortise, but not tofill said mortise.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlocking jointsystem for joining members at right angles to one another, saidinterlocking joint system comprising: a first member comprising twosubstantially parallel outer surfaces and a tenon having a full depthand a full width, said tenon being bounded by a first tenon surface thatis in the same plane as one of said outer surfaces and that extends thefull depth of the tenon, a second tenon surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to said first tenon surface and that extends the fullwidth of said tenon, said first tenon surface and said second tenonsurface intersecting at a first tenon corner, a third tenon surface thatis substantially parallel to said outer surfaces and that extends fromsaid second tenon surface a distance that is less than the full depth ofsaid tenon, said second tenon surface and said third tenon surfaceintersecting at a second tenon corner, a fourth tenon surface that issubstantially perpendicular to said outer surfaces and that extendstoward said first tenon surface less than the full width of said tenon,said third tenon surface and said fourth tenon surface intersecting at athird tenon corner, and a fifth tenon surface that extends from saidfourth tenon surface substantially parallel to said outer surfaces, saidfourth tenon surface and said fifth tenon surface intersecting at afourth tenon corner; and a second member having a mortise into whichsaid tenon fits but does not fill.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a flange jointsystem comprising: a first workpiece having a mortise formed by passinga T-slot cutter through the first workpiece to produce a T-shaped slothaving two overhanging edges; and a tenon formed by passing astraight-slot cutter or one arm of a T-slot cutter through a secondworkpiece to produce an interlocking member shaped so as to be tightlyslidable into a portion of said mortise.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlockingflange joint system comprising: a first piece having a symmetricalmortise, said asymmetrical mortise being formed by a first cantileverand a second cantilever that are portions of said first piece; and asecond piece having an asymmetrical tenon, said asymmetrical tenon beingformed by a third cantilever that is a part of said second piece.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlocking flushjoint system for joining members at a right angle to one another to forma right angle corner (e.g., a flush joint), said interlocking jointsystem comprising: a first member comprising a first outer surface and asecond outer surface that intersect in a corner into which a mortisehaving a full depth and a full width is formed, said mortise beingbounded by a first mortise-forming surface that is substantiallyparallel to said first outer surface and that extends from said secondouter surface to less than the full width of said mortise, a secondmortise-forming surface that is substantially perpendicular to saidfirst outer surface and that extends from said first mortise-formingsurface to the full depth of said mortise, said first mortise-formingsurface and said second mortise-forming surface intersecting at a firstmortise corner, a third mortise-forming surface that is substantiallyparallel to said first outer surface at the full depth of said mortise,said second mortise-forming surface and said third mortise-formingmortise surface intersecting at a second mortise corner, a fourthmortise-forming surface that is substantially parallel to said secondouter surface and that extends from said third mortise-forming surfacetoward said first outer surface but does not reach said first outersurface, said third mortise-forming surface and said fourthmortise-forming surface intersecting in a third mortise corner, a fifthmortise-forming surface that is substantially parallel to said firstouter surface and that extends toward the plane of said secondmortise-forming surface but does not reach the plane of said secondmortise surface, said fourth mortise-forming surface and said fifthmortise-forming surface intersecting in a fourth mortise corner, and asixth mortise-forming surface that is substantially perpendicular tosaid first outer surface and that extends to said first outer surface,said fifth mortise-forming surface and said fourth mortise-formingsurface intersecting in a fifth mortise corner and; a second membercomprising a tenon that is configured to fit tightly into said mortiseto produce the right angle corner.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlockingflush joint system for joining members at a right angle to one anotherto form a right angle corner, said interlocking joint system comprising:a first member comprising two substantially parallel outer surfaces anda tenon having a full depth and a full width, said tenon being boundedby a first tenon surface that is substantially perpendicular to saidouter surfaces, a second tenon surface that is substantially parallel tosaid outer surfaces and that extends the full depth of the tenon, saidfirst tenon surface and said second tenon surface intersecting in afirst tenon corner, a third tenon surface that is substantiallyperpendicular to said second tenon surface and that extends the fullwidth of said tenon, said second tenon surface and said third tenonsurface intersecting at a second tenon corner, a fourth tenon surfacethat is in the same plane as one of said outer surfaces and that extendsfrom said third tenon surface a distance that is less than the fulldepth of said tenon, said third tenon surface and said fourth tenonsurface intersecting at a third tenon corner, a fifth tenon surface thatis substantially perpendicular to said outer surfaces and that extendstoward the plane said second tenon surface less than the full width ofsaid tenon, said fourth tenon surface and said fifth tenon surfaceintersecting at a fourth tenon corner, and a sixth tenon surface thatextends from said fifth tenon surface substantially parallel to saidouter surfaces, said fifth tenon surface and said sixth tenon surfaceintersecting at a fifth tenon corner, and a seventh tenon surface thatextends from said sixth tenon surface substantially perpendicular tosaid outer surfaces to the one of said outer surfaces, said sixth tenonsurface and said seventh tenon surface intersecting at a sixth tenoncorner; and a second member having a mortise into which said tenon fits.

In a further embodiment, the invention is a flush joint systemcomprising: a first workpiece having a mortise formed by passing aT-slot cutter through the first workpiece to produce a T-shaped slothaving overhanging edges and by passing a straight-slot cutter throughthe first workpiece to remove one of the overhanging edges and form anabutment; and a tenon formed by passing a straight-slot cutter through afirst surface and a second surface of a second workpiece to produce aninterlocking member that has a notch and is shaped so as to be tightlyslidable into said mortise.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is an interlocking flushjoint system comprising: a first piece having an asymmetrical mortise,said asymmetrical mortise being formed by a first cantilever that is aportion of said first piece and an abutment that is another portion ofsaid first piece; and a second piece having an asymmetrical tenon, saidasymmetrical tenon being formed by a second cantilever that is a part ofsaid second piece and a notch into which said abutment is slidable.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a flush joint systemcomprising: an asymmetrically-shaped female component having a first setof dimensions; and an asymmetrically-shaped male component thatinterlocks with said female component, said asymmetrically-shaped malecomponent having a second set of dimensions; wherein saidasymmetrically-shaped female component has at least seven surfaces andsaid asymmetrically-shaped male component has at least seven connectingsurfaces that contact said at least seven surfaces when the joint systemis assembled. Preferably, said female component and said male componentsare fabricatable with a router that is capable of cutting a slot havingthe shape of a right prism. Preferably, said female component isfabricatable from a first workpiece having one thickness and said malecomponent is fabricatable from a second workpiece having substantiallythe same thickness; and wherein said dimensions are a multiple of aboutone sixth or about one third of said same thickness. Preferably, eachfirst dimension in said first set of dimensions and each seconddimension in said second set of dimensions is substantially equal to twothirds, one third or one sixth of said thickness. Preferably, saidfemale component and said male component making up a joint proper; andthe female component makes up about half of the material within thejoint proper and the male component makes up about half of the materialwithin the joint proper.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a diamond-shapedbracing system, (e.g., for a quadrilateral, such as a bookshelf) that iscapable of resisting lateral forces, said quadrilateral comprising: aframe (e.g., comprising a right side, a left side, a top plate and abottom plate) having a left track, a right track and a groove; an upperbacking piece having a first pair of backside tracks, said upper backingpiece being slidably mountable in said left track, said right track andsaid groove; a middle backing piece having a second pair of backsidetracks, said middle backing piece being slidably mountable in said lefttrack and said right track and being interlockedable with said upperbacking piece; a top left bracing piece that is slidably mountable inone of said first pair of backside tracks and in one of said second pairof backside tracks; a top right bracing piece that is slidably mountablein the other of said first pair of backside tracks and in the other ofsaid second pair of backside tracks; a lower backing piece having athird pair of backside tracks, said lower backing piece being slidablymountable in said left track and said right track and beinginterlockedable with said middle backing piece; a bottom left bracingpiece that is slidably mountable in one of said second pair of backsidetracks and in one of said third pair of backside tracks; and a bottomright bracing piece that is slidably mountable in the other of saidsecond pair of backside tracks and in the other of said third pair ofbackside tracks.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a joint system orinterlocking structure for a quadrilateral, said joint systemcomprising: a bottom plate (e.g., first side) having two upper mortisesin its upper surface and two lower mortises and a longitudinal groove onits bottom surface; a side kick left having a first front verticalgroove, a first back vertical groove, a first horizontal groove and afirst tenon that is slidably mountable in one of said lower mortises; aside kick right having a second front vertical groove, a second backvertical groove, a second horizontal groove and a second tenon that isslidably mountable in the other of said lower mortises; a front toepiece having a third horizontal groove, said front toe piece beingslidably mountable in the first front vertical groove, the second frontvertical groove and the longitudinal groove; a toe brace front piecethat is slidably mountable in the first horizontal groove, the secondhorizontal groove and the third horizontal groove; a left (e.g., second)side having a left track, a left upper tenon and a left lower tenon thatis slidably mountable (e.g., dovetailed) with one of said uppermortises; a right (e.g., second) side having a right track, a rightupper tenon and a right lower tenon that is slidably mountable (e.g.,dovetailed) with the other of said upper mortises; a top plate (e.g.,fourth side) having a underside groove and two lower mortises that areslidably mountable (e.g., dovetailed) with the left upper tenon and theright upper tenon; an upper backing piece having a first pair ofbackside tracks, said upper backing piece being slidably mountable insaid left track, said right track and said underside groove; an middlebacking piece having a second pair of backside tracks, said middlebacking piece being slidably mountable in said left track and said righttrack and being interlocked with said upper backing piece; a top leftbracing piece that is slidably mountable in one of said first pair ofbackside tracks and in one of said second pair of backside tracks; a topright bracing piece that is slidably mountable in the other of saidfirst pair of backside tracks and in the other of said second pair ofbackside tracks; a lower backing piece having a third pair of backsidetracks, said lower backing piece being slidably mountable in said lefttrack and said right track and being interlocked with said middlebacking piece; a bottom left bracing piece that is slidably mountable inone of said second pair of backside tracks and in one of said third pairof backside tracks; a bottom right bracing piece that is slidablymountable in the other of said second pair of backside tracks and in theother of said third pair of backside tracks; a toe brace back piece thatis slidably mountable the first vertical groove and the second verticalgroove; a money piece having a horizontal track, said money piece beingslidably mountable in the left back vertical groove and the right backvertical groove and being interlocked with said toe brace back piece,said lower backing piece, said bottom left bracing piece and said bottomright bracing piece.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a structure (e.g., ajoint system for a quadrilateral) comprising: a top plate having anunderside groove and two lower mortises; a bottom plate a longitudinalgroove adjacent to its front edge and two bottom plate slots that extendpart way through said bottom plate; a left side having a first frontvertical groove, a first back vertical groove, a first horizontalgroove, a left upper tenon that is slidably mountable in one of saidlower mortises, and a left track; a right side having a second frontvertical groove, a second back vertical groove, a second horizontalgroove and a right upper tenon that is slidably mountable in the otherof said lower mortises, and a right track; a front toe piece having athird horizontal groove, said front toe piece being slidably mountablein the first front vertical groove, the second front vertical groove andthe longitudinal groove; a toe brace front piece that is slidablymountable in the first horizontal groove, the second horizontal grooveand the third horizontal groove; a side left piece having at least oneleft horizontal groove, a left track, a left upper tenon and a leftlower tenon that is slidably mountable (e.g., dovetailed) with one ofsaid upper mortises; a side right piece having at least one righthorizontal groove, a right track, a right upper tenon and a right lowertenon that is slidably mountable (e.g., dovetailed) with the other ofsaid upper mortises; a top plate having a underside groove and two lowermortises that are slidably mountable (e.g., dovetailed) with the leftupper tenon and the right upper tenon; at least one shelf that isslidably mountable in said left horizontal groove and in said righthorizontal groove; an upper backing piece having a first pair ofbackside tracks, said upper backing piece being slidably mountable insaid left track, said right track and said underside groove; an middlebacking piece having a second pair of backside tracks, said middlebacking piece being slidably mountable in said left track and said righttrack and being interlocked with said upper backing piece; a top leftbracing piece that is slidably mountable in one of said first pair ofbackside tracks and in one of said second pair of backside tracks; a topright bracing piece that is slidably mountable in the other of saidfirst pair of backside tracks and in the other of said second pair ofbackside tracks; a lower backing piece having a third pair of backsidetracks, said lower backing piece being slidably mountable in said lefttrack and said right track and being interlocked with said middlebacking piece; a bottom left bracing piece that is slidably mountable inone of said second pair of backside tracks and in one of said third pairof backside tracks; a bottom right bracing piece that is slidablymountable in the other of said second pair of backside tracks and in theother of said third pair of backside tracks; a toe brace back piece thatis slidably mountable in the first vertical groove and the secondvertical groove; and a back toe piece having a horizontal track, saidback toe piece being slidably mountable in the left back vertical grooveand the right back vertical groove and being interlocked with said toebrace back piece, said lower backing piece, said bottom left bracingpiece and said bottom right bracing piece. Preferably, each lowermortise and associated upper tenon comprise an interlocking flange jointsystem disclosed herein. Preferably, each lower mortise and associatedupper tenon comprise an interlocking flange joint system disclosedherein.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a four-sided structure(e.g., a cube with flush edge joints) comprising: four side components,each of said side components being rectangular or square in overallshape having edges, two of said edges being substantially parallel;wherein the each of the substantially parallel edges of a first pair ofsaid side components has an asymmetrical mortise, said asymmetricalmortise being formed by a first cantilever that is a portion of saidfirst piece and an abutment that is another portion of said first piece;and wherein each of the substantially parallel edges of a second pair ofsaid side components has an asymmetrical tenon, said asymmetrical tenonbeing formed by a second cantilever that is a part of said second pieceand a notch into which said abutment is slidable.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a structurecomprising: a top plate having an underside groove and two lowermortises; a bottom plate having a longitudinal groove adjacent to itsfront edge and two bottom plate slots that extend part of the waythrough said bottom plate; a left side having a first front verticalgroove, a first back vertical groove, a first horizontal groove, a leftupper tenon that is slidably mountable in one of said lower mortises,and a left track; a right side having a second front vertical groove, asecond back vertical groove, a second horizontal groove and a rightupper tenon that is slidably mountable in the other of said lowermortises, and a right track; a front toe piece having a third horizontalgroove, said front toe piece being slidably mountable in the first frontvertical groove, the second front vertical groove and the longitudinalgroove; a toe brace front piece that is slidably mountable in the firsthorizontal groove, the second horizontal groove and the third horizontalgroove; at least one shelf that is slidably mountable in said lefthorizontal groove and in said right horizontal groove; an upper backingpiece having a first pair of backside tracks, said upper backing piecebeing slidably mountable in said left track, said right track and saidunderside groove; a middle backing piece having a second pair ofbackside tracks, said middle backing piece being slidably mountable insaid left track and said right track and being interlocked with saidupper backing piece; a top left bracing piece that is slidably mountablein one of said first pair of backside tracks and in one of said secondpair of backside tracks; a top right bracing piece that is slidablymountable in the other of said first pair of backside tracks and in theother of said second pair of backside tracks; a lower backing piecehaving a third pair of backside tracks, said lower backing piece beingslidably mountable in said left track and said right track and beinginterlocked with said middle backing piece; a bottom left bracing piecethat is slidably mountable in one of said second pair of backside tracksand in one of said third pair of backside tracks; a bottom right bracingpiece that is slidably mountable in the other of said second pair ofbackside tracks and in the other of said third pair of backside tracks;a toe brace back piece that is slidably mountable in the first verticalgroove and the second vertical groove; a back toe piece having ahorizontal track, said back toe piece being slidably mountable in theleft back vertical groove and the right back vertical groove and beinginterlocked with said toe brace back piece, said lower backing piece,said bottom left bracing piece and said bottom right bracing piece.Preferably, each lower mortise and associated upper tenon comprise aninterlocking flange joint system disclosed herein. Preferably, eachhorizontal groove is an asymmetrical mortise, said asymmetrical mortisebeing formed by a first cantilever that is a portion of said firstpiece; and each end of said shelf has an asymmetrical tenon, saidasymmetrical tenon being formed by a second cantilever that is a part ofsaid shelf.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a four-sided structurecomprising: four side components, each of said side components beingrectangular or square in overall shape having edges, two of said edgesbeing substantially parallel; wherein the each of the substantiallyparallel edges of a first pair of said side components has anasymmetrical mortise, said asymmetrical mortise being formed by a firstcantilever that is a portion of said first piece and an abutment that isanother portion of said first piece; and wherein each of thesubstantially parallel edges of a second pair of said side componentshas an asymmetrical tenon, said asymmetrical tenon being formed by asecond cantilever that is a part of said second piece and a notch intowhich said abutment is slidable. Preferably, each asymmetrical mortiseand associated upper tenon comprise an interlocking flush joint systemdisclosed herein.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a four-sidedstructure (e.g. a cubical structure with mortise and tenon joints and arotational lockdown component) comprising: a first pair of sidecomponents and a second pair of side components, each of said sidecomponents having edges, two of said edges being substantially paralleland a third of said edges being substantially perpendicular to saidsubstantially parallel edges, each of said side components beingprovided with a ledge and a radial slot that are oriented substantiallyparallel to said third edge; wherein the each of the substantiallyparallel edges of said first pair of side components has one of a pairof tenons; wherein each of the substantially parallel edges of saidsecond pair of side components has one of a pair of mortises; whereinone of said pairs of tenon slidably fits into one of said pair ofmortises and another of said pairs of tenon slidably fits into anotherof said pair of mortises, making interlocking joints; a first backercomponent that rests on said ledge; and a first rotational lockdowncomponent having radial tabs that fit into said radial slots when saidrotational lockdown component is placed on said backer component androtated about 45 degrees. Preferably, each of said interlocking jointscomprises: a first piece having an asymmetrical mortise, saidasymmetrical mortise being formed by a first cantilever that is aportion of said first piece and an abutment that is another portion ofsaid first piece; and a second piece having an asymmetrical tenon, saidasymmetrical tenon being formed by a second cantilever that is a part ofsaid second piece and a notch into which said abutment is slidable.Preferably, each of said interlocking joints comprises: anasymmetrically-shaped female component having a first set of dimensions;and an asymmetrically-shaped male component that interlocks with saidfemale component, said asymmetrically-shaped male component having asecond set of dimensions; wherein said asymmetrically-shaped femalecomponent has at least seven surfaces and said asymmetrically-shapedmale component has at least seven connecting surfaces that contact saidat least seven surfaces when the joint system is assembled.

In another preferred embodiment, each of said side components isprovided with a plurality of vertically-spaced radial slots, saidfour-sided structure further comprises: a plurality of backercomponents, with only said first backer component resting on said ledge;and a plurality of rotational lockdown components having radial tabsthat fit into said plurality of vertically-spaced radial slots when eachof said rotational lockdown components is placed on one of said backercomponents and rotated about 45 degrees. Preferably each of said sidecomponents is provided with two vertically-spaced radial slots and saidfour-sided structure further comprises: two backer components; and tworotational lockdown components.

In another preferred embodiment, each of said side components isprovided with a plurality of vertically-spaced radial slots, saidfour-sided structure further comprises: a plurality of backercomponents, with only said first backer component resting on said ledge;and a plurality of rotational lockdown components having radial tabsthat fit into said plurality of vertically-spaced radial slots when eachof said rotational lockdown components is placed on one of said backercomponents and rotated about 45 degrees. Preferably each of said sidecomponents is provided with two vertically-spaced radial slots and saidfour-sided structure further comprises: two backer components; and tworotational lockdown components. Preferably, each of said side componentsis further provided with a plurality of horizontally-spaced radialslots, said four-sided structure further comprises: another plurality ofrotational lockdown components having radial tabs that fit into saidplurality of horizontally-spaced radial slots when each of saidrotational lockdown components is placed on one of said backercomponents and rotated about 45 degrees. Preferably each of said sidecomponents is provided with a plurality of horizontally-spaced radialslots, said four-sided structure further comprises: a plurality ofrotational lockdown components having radial tabs that fit into saidplurality of horizontally-spaced radial slots when each of saidrotational lockdown components is placed said backer components androtated about 45 degrees. Preferably, pairs of rotational lockdowncomponents are disposed adjacent to one another and wherein said pairsof rotational lockdown components have interlocking tab extensions.Preferably each of said side components is provided with twohorizontally-spaced radial slots and said four-sided structure furthercomprises: two rotational lockdown components.

In another preferred embodiment, each of said side components isprovided with at least one shelf mortise and said four-sided structurefurther comprises: at least one storage shelf having ends, each endcomprising a storage shelf tenon. Preferably, each of said sidecomponents has an arch shape and said first rotational lockdowncomponent is a round rotational lockdown that has an underside andundercuts that are operative to allow a user's hands to wrap around theunderside of said first rotational lockdown and turn it like a steeringwheel. Preferably, each of said side components has a width, a heightand an outer surface, said height being substantially greater than saidwidth and said first rotational lockdown component is a squarerotational lockdown that has sides, an underside and square corners sothat when rotation of said square rotational lockdown is complete saidsides are flush with the outer surfaces of said side components and theunderside of square rotational lockdown is not visible to a user.

In another embodiment, the invention is a method for making one or moreof the components of one of the structures disclosed herein. In anotherembodiment, the invention is a method for assembling one of thestructures disclosed herein.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from considerationof the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments ofthe invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that otherembodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of theinvention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departingfrom the concept. Thus, the following drawings and descriptions are tobe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will be better understood by reference tothe accompanying drawings which illustrate presently preferredembodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mortise portion of a preferredembodiment of the shelf joint system of the present invention, shownassembled with the tenon portion for clarity.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tenon portion of a preferredembodiment of the shelf joint system of the present invention, shownassembled with the mortise portion for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mortise portion of the flange jointsystem of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shownassembled with the tenon portion for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tenon portion of a preferredembodiment of the flange joint system of the present invention, shownassembled with the mortise portion for clarity.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of mortise portion of a preferredembodiment of the flush joint system of the present invention, shownassembled with the tenon portion for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tenon portion of a preferredembodiment of the flush joint system of the present invention, shownassembled with the mortise portion for clarity.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a bookcase thatincorporates aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionin a partially assembled state, lying on its front side.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention in a partially assembled state.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back toe kick of a preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial bottom perspective view of the bookshelf of apreferred embodiment of the invention before the back toe kick has beenlocked in place.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a cubestructure that incorporates aspects of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an assembled version of thepreferred embodiment of the cube structure of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inventionin a partially assembled state, with one side removed for clarity.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention ina partially assembled state, showing the asymmetrical orientation of thecorner joints.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of theinvention that comprises a plurality of interlocking rotational lockdowncomponents.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an interlocking rotational lockdowncomponent of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention in a partially assembled state, showing a shelf and thesymmetrical orientation of the corner joints.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a preferred stool embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of a round rotational lockdowncomponent of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a preferred pedestal embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of a square rotational lockdowncomponent of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The following reference numerals are used to indicate the parts andenvironment of the invention on the drawings:

-   -   10 shelf joint system    -   12 support member    -   13 support member thickness    -   14 shelf member    -   15 shelf member thickness    -   16 support outer surface    -   18 mortise    -   20 mortise full depth    -   21 mortise full width    -   22 first mortise-forming surface    -   24 second mortise-forming surface    -   26 first mortise corner    -   28 third mortise-forming surface    -   30 second mortise corner    -   32 fourth mortise-forming surface    -   34 third mortise corner    -   36 fifth mortise-forming surface    -   38 fourth mortise corner    -   40 first shelf outer surface    -   42 second shelf outer surface    -   44 tenon    -   47 first tenon surface    -   46 tenon full depth    -   48 tenon full width    -   50 second tenon surface    -   52 first tenon corner    -   54 third tenon surface    -   56 second tenon corner    -   58 fourth tenon surface    -   60 third tenon corner    -   62 fifth tenon surface    -   64 fourth tenon corner    -   66 other overhanging edge, first cantilever    -   68 second cantilever    -   80 flange joint system    -   82 vertical member    -   83 vertical member thickness    -   84 flange member    -   85 flange member thickness    -   86 flange outer surface    -   88 flange mortise    -   90 full flange mortise depth    -   92 full flange mortise width    -   94 first flange mortise-forming surface    -   96 second flange mortise-forming surface    -   98 first flange mortise corner    -   100 third flange mortise-forming surface    -   102 second flange mortise corner    -   103 third flange mortis corner    -   104 fourth flange mortise-forming surface    -   106 fifth flange mortise-forming surface    -   108 fourth flange mortise corner    -   110 sixth flange mortise-forming surface    -   112 fifth flange mortise corner    -   114 seventh flange mortise-forming surface    -   116 sixth flange mortise corner    -   120 first vertical support outer surface    -   122 second vertical support outer surface    -   124 vertical tenon    -   126 first vertical tenon surface    -   128 full vertical tenon depth    -   130 second vertical tenon surface    -   132 full vertical tenon width    -   136 first vertical tenon corner    -   138 third vertical tenon surface    -   140 second vertical tenon corner    -   142 fourth vertical tenon surface    -   144 third vertical tenon corner    -   146 fifth vertical tenon surface    -   148 fourth vertical tenon corner    -   150 first flange mortise cantilever    -   152 second flange mortise cantilever    -   154 vertical tenon cantilever    -   160 flush joint system    -   162 first cube side, first member, first piece, first workpiece,        female component    -   163 first side thickness    -   164 second cube side, second member, second piece, second        workpiece, male component    -   165 second side thickness    -   166 first side end surface    -   168 first side outer surface    -   170 cube corner    -   172 flush mortise    -   174 full flush mortise depth    -   176 full flush mortise width    -   178 first flush mortise-forming surface    -   180 second flush mortise-forming surface    -   182 first flush mortise corner    -   184 third flush mortise-forming surface    -   186 second flush mortise corner    -   188 fourth flush mortise-forming surface    -   190 third flush mortise corner    -   192 fifth flush mortise-forming surface    -   220 fourth flush mortise corner    -   222 sixth flush mortise-forming surface    -   224 fifth flush mortise corner    -   230 flush tenon    -   232 inside surface    -   234 outside surface    -   236 full flush tenon depth    -   238 full flush tenon width    -   240 first flush tenon surface    -   242 second flush tenon surface    -   244 first flush tenon corner    -   246 third flush tenon surface    -   248 second flush tenon corner    -   250 fourth flush tenon surface    -   252 third flush tenon corner    -   254 fifth flush tenon surface    -   256 fifth flush tenon corner    -   258 sixth flush tenon surface    -   260 fourth flush tenon corner    -   262 seventh flush tenon surface    -   264 sixth flush tenon corner    -   268 flush mortise cantilever, first cantilever    -   270 abutment    -   272 flush tenon cantilever, second cantilever    -   274 notch    -   280 quadrilateral, bookshelf    -   281 left side cutout    -   282 left side    -   283 right side cutout    -   285 first front vertical groove    -   287 first back vertical groove    -   288 front toe kick    -   290 right side    -   291 first horizontal groove    -   292 bottom plate    -   293 bottom plate slots    -   294 top plate    -   295 second horizontal groove    -   296 upper backing piece    -   297 second back vertical groove    -   298 middle backing piece    -   300 top left bracing piece    -   302 top right bracing piece    -   304 lower backing piece    -   306 bottom left bracing piece    -   308 bottom right bracing piece    -   309 toe brace front piece    -   310 toe brace back piece    -   312 back toe kick    -   313 horizontal track    -   314 first shelf    -   316 second shelf    -   317 indents    -   318 protrusions    -   320 frame    -   322 shelf groove    -   400 cube structure    -   402 second pair of side components    -   404 first pair of side components    -   406 substantially parallel edges    -   408 third edge    -   407 backer component    -   409 cube mortises    -   410 cube tenons    -   411 rotational lockdown component    -   412 radial tabs    -   420 ledge    -   422 radial slots    -   500 storage structure    -   502 first pair of storage side components    -   504 second pair of storage side components    -   550 asymmetrical cube structure    -   552 first pair of asymmetrical side components    -   554 second pair of asymmetrical side components    -   600 shelf storage structure    -   602 top component    -   604 bottom component    -   606 slotted side components    -   608 back component    -   610 interlocking rotational lockdown component    -   614 interlocking grips    -   616 tab extension    -   618 storage shelf    -   650 stool structure    -   652 round rotational lockdown    -   653 undercuts    -   654 arches    -   700 pedestal structure    -   702 square rotational lockdown    -   704 pedestal sides    -   706 outer edges

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A number of preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein.While these embodiments are illustrated preferred joint components asbeing bounded by planar surfaces and to have right-angle corners,preferred joint components in other embodiments are bounded by curvedsurfaces and/or other non-planar surfaces and/or have rounded cornersand have corners that are not right angle corners. A person havingordinary skill in the art would realize that the only requirement isthat each tenon must fit in each associated mortise. Thus, theembodiments presented herein should be regarded as illustrative only.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of shelf joint system 10 ofthe present invention is presented. In this drawing, the elements ofmortise 18 are called out. In this embodiment, the invention is aninterlocking joint system for joining members, preferably at rightangles to one another. While this embodiment envisions joining a shelfto a support, joint system 10 can be used to join any two members. Shelfjoint system 10 preferably comprises support member 12 and shelf member14. Support member 12 preferably comprises support outer surface 16 intowhich mortise 18 having full depth 20 is formed. Mortise 18 ispreferably bounded by first mortise-forming surface 22 that issubstantially perpendicular to support outer surface 16 and that extendsa distance from support outer surface 16 to the full depth 20 of mortise18. This distance is preferably equal to about two thirds of supportmember thickness 13. Mortise 18 is preferably also bounded by secondmortise-forming surface 24 that is substantially parallel to supportouter surface 16 at full depth 20 of mortise 18. First mortise-formingsurface 22 and second mortise-forming surface 24 preferably intersect atfirst mortise corner 26. Mortise 18 is preferably also bounded by thirdmortise-forming surface 28 that is substantially perpendicular tosupport outer surface 16 and extends from second mortise-forming surface24 toward support outer surface 16 but does not reach support outersurface 16. Second mortise-forming surface 24 and third mortise-formingsurface 28 preferably intersect in second mortise corner 30. Mortise 20is preferably also bounded by fourth mortise-forming surface 32 that issubstantially parallel to support outer surface 16 and extends adistance toward first mortise-forming surface 22 but does not reachfirst mortise surface 22. This distance is preferably equal to about onethird of shelf member thickness 15. Third mortise-forming surface 28 andfourth mortise-forming surface 32 preferably intersect in third mortisecorner 34. Mortise 18 is preferably also bounded by fifthmortise-forming surface 36 that is substantially perpendicular tosupport outer surface 16 and extends to support outer surface 16. Fourthmortise-forming surface 32 and fifth mortise-forming surface 36preferably intersect in fourth mortise corner 38. In a preferredembodiment, the mortise corners are square, but in an alternativeembodiment they are rounded.

Referring to FIG. 2, shelf member 14 preferably comprises twosubstantially parallel outer surfaces 40 and 42 and tenon 44 that ispreferably configured to fit (preferably tightly) into mortise 18. Inthis drawing, the elements of tenon 44 are called out. Tenon 44 has fulldepth 46 and full width 48. Tenon 44 is preferably bounded by firsttenon surface 47 that is in the same plane as second outer surface 42and extends to full depth 46. Tenon 44 is preferably also bounded bysecond tenon surface 50 that is substantially perpendicular to firsttenon surface 47 and extends to full width 48. First tenon surface 47and second tenon surface 50 preferably intersect at first tenon corner52. Tenon 44 is preferably also bounded by third tenon surface 54 thatis in the same plane as the first shelf outer surface 40 and extendsfrom second tenon surface 50 a distance that is less than full depth 46.Preferably, this distance is about one half of full depth 46 and aboutone third of support member thickness 13. Second tenon surface 50 andthird tenon surface 54 preferably intersect at second tenon corner 56.Tenon 44 is preferably also bounded by fourth tenon surface 58 that issubstantially perpendicular to the shelf outer surfaces and that extendstoward first tenon surface 47 less than full width 48. Third tenonsurface 54 and fourth tenon surface 58 preferably intersect at thirdtenon corner 60. Tenon 44 is preferably also bounded by fifth tenonsurface 62 that extends from fourth tenon surface 58 substantiallyparallel to surfaces 42 and 54. Fourth tenon surface 58 and fifth tenonsurface 62 preferably intersect at fourth tenon corner 64.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, yet another preferred embodiment of shelfjoint system 10 comprises support member 12 having mortise 18 and tenon44. Mortise 18 is formed in support member 12 by passing a T-slot cutterthrough support member 12 to produce a T-shaped slot having overhangingedges. Then straight-slot cutter is passed through support member 12 toremove one overhanging edge and leave other overhanging edge 66. Tenon44 is formed by passing a straight-slot cutter through shelf member 12to produce interlocking member 44 shaped so as to slide (preferablytightly) into mortise 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a further preferred embodiment of shelfjoint system 10 comprises support member 12 having asymmetrical mortise18 and shelf member 12 having asymmetric tenon 44. Asymmetrical mortise12 is formed by first cantilever 66 that is a portion of support member12. Asymmetrical tenon 44 is formed by second cantilever 68 that is apart of shelf member 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of flange joint system 80 ofthe present invention is presented. In this drawing, the elements offlange mortise 88 are called out. In this embodiment, the invention isan interlocking joint system for joining members, preferably at rightangles to one another. While this embodiment envisions joining a flangeto a vertical member, joint system 80 can be used to join any twomembers. Flange joint system 80 preferably comprises vertical member 82and flange member 84. Flange member 84 preferably comprises flange outersurface 86 into which flange mortise 88 having full flange mortise depth90 and full flange mortise width 92 is formed. Flange mortise 88 ispreferably bounded by first flange mortise-forming surface 94 that issubstantially perpendicular to flange outer surface 86 and extends fromflange outer surface 86 a distance that is less than full flange mortisedepth 90. Preferably, this distance is about one half of full flangemortise depth 90 and about one third of flange member thickness 85.Flange mortise 88 is preferably also bounded by second flangemortise-forming surface 96 that is substantially parallel to flangeouter surface 86 and extends a distance that is less than full flangemortise depth 90. Preferably, this distance is about one third of fullflange mortise width 92 and about one third of vertical member thickness83. First flange mortise-forming surface 94 and second flangemortise-forming surface 96 preferably intersect at first flange mortisecorner 98. Flange mortise 88 is preferably also bounded by third flangemortise-forming surface 100 that is substantially perpendicular to saidouter flange surface 86 and that extends from second flangemortise-forming surface 96 to full flange mortise depth 90. Preferably,third flange mortise-forming surface 100 extends a distance that isabout one third of flange member thickness 85. Second flangemortise-forming surface 96 and third flange mortise-forming surface 100preferably intersect in second flange mortise corner 102. Flange mortise88 is preferably also bounded by fourth flange mortise-forming surface104 that is substantially parallel to flange outer surface 86 andextends across full flange mortise width 92 at full flange mortise depth90. Third flange mortise-forming surface 100 and fourth flangemortise-forming surface 104 preferably intersect in third flange mortisecorner 103. Flange mortise 88 is preferably also bounded by fifth flangemortise-forming surface 106 that is substantially perpendicular toflange outer surface 86 and that extends toward flange outer surface 86but does not reach it. Preferably, fifth flange mortise-forming surface106 extends a distance that is about one third of flange memberthickness 85. Fourth flange mortise-forming surface 104 and fifth flangemortise-forming surface 106 preferably intersect in fourth mortisecorner 108. Flange mortise 88 is preferably also bounded by sixth flangemortise-forming surface 110 that is substantially parallel to flangeouter surface 88 at less than full flange mortise depth 90. Fifth flangemortise-forming surface 106 and sixth flange mortise-forming surface 110preferably intersect at fifth mortise corner 112. Flange mortise 88 ispreferably also bounded by seventh flange mortise-forming surface 114that is substantially perpendicular to outer flange surface 86 and thatextends from sixth flange mortise-forming surface 110 to outer flangesurface 86. Sixth flange mortise-forming surface 110 and seventh flangemortise-forming surface 114 preferably intersect at six mortise corner116.

Referring to FIG. 4, vertical member 82 preferably comprises twosubstantially parallel outer surfaces 100 and 122 and vertical tenon 124that is configured to fit (preferably tightly) into flange mortise 88but not to fill flange mortise 88. In this drawing, the elements ofvertical tenon 124 are called out. Vertical tenon 124 is preferablybounded by first vertical tenon surface 126 that is in the same plane asfirst vertical support outer surface 120 and that extends full verticaltenon depth 128. Full tenon depth 128 is preferably about two thirds offlange member thickness 85. Vertical tenon 124 is preferably alsobounded by second vertical tenon surface 130 that is substantiallyperpendicular to said first vertical tenon surface 126 and that extendsa distance is approximately equal to full vertical tenon width 132,which width is preferably approximately equal to two thirds of verticalmember thickness 83. First vertical tenon surface 126 and secondvertical tenon surface 130 preferably intersect at first vertical tenoncorner 136. Vertical tenon 124 is preferably also bounded by thirdvertical tenon surface 138 that is substantially parallel to thevertical support outer surfaces and that extends from second verticaltenon surface 130 a distance that is less than full vertical tenon depth128. Preferably, this distance is about one third of flange memberthickness 85. Second vertical tenon surface 130 and third vertical tenonsurface 138 preferably intersect at second vertical tenon corner 140.Vertical tenon 124 is preferably also bounded by fourth vertical tenonsurface 142 that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical supportouter surfaces and that extends a distance toward first vertical tenonsurface 126 that is less than full vertical tenon width 132. Preferably,this distance is about one half of full vertical tenon width 132 and onethird of vertical member thickness 83. Third vertical tenon surface 138and fourth vertical tenon surface 142 preferably intersect at thirdvertical tenon corner 144. Vertical tenon 126 is preferably also boundedby fifth vertical tenon surface 146 that extends from fourth verticaltenon surface 142 substantially parallel to the vertical support outersurfaces. Fourth vertical tenon surface 142 and fifth vertical tenonsurface 146 preferably intersect at fourth vertical tenon corner 148.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, yet another preferred embodiment of flangejoint system 80 comprises flange member 84 having flange mortise 88formed therein and vertical tenon 124. Flange mortise 88 is preferablyformed by passing a T-slot cutter through flange member 82 to produce aT-shaped slot having two overhanging edges. Vertical tenon 124 is formedby passing a straight-slot cutter or one arm of a T-slot cutter throughvertical member 82 to produce an interlocking member shaped so as to beslidable (preferably tightly slidable) into a portion of flange mortise88.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a further preferred embodiment of flangejoint system 80 comprises flange member 84 having asymmetrical flangemortise 88 and vertical tenon 124. Asymmetrical flange mortise 88 isformed by first flange mortise cantilever 150 and second flange mortisecantilever 152 that are portions of flange member 84. Vertical member 84comprises asymmetrical vertical tenon 124 which is formed by verticaltenon cantilever 154 that is a part of vertical support 84.

Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of flush joint system 160 ofthe present invention is presented. In this drawing, the elements offlush mortise 172 are called out. In this embodiment, the invention isan interlocking joint system for joining sides, members or pieces,preferably at right angles to one another. While this embodimentenvisions joining a first side, first member or first piece 162 to asecond side, second member or second piece 164 (e.g., of a cube), flushjoint system 160 can be used to join any two members. Flush joint system160 preferably comprises first side, first member or first piece 162comprising first side outer surface (168) and first side end surface 166and a second outer surface that intersect in cube corner 170 into whichflush mortise 172 having full flush mortise depth 174 and full flushmortise width 176 is formed. Flush mortise 172 is preferably bounded byfirst flush mortise-forming surface 178 that is substantially parallelto first side outer surface 168 and that extends a distance from saidfirst side end surface 166 that is less than full mortise width 176.Preferably, this distance is about one third of second side thickness165. Flush mortise 172 is preferably also bounded by second flushmortise-forming surface 180 that is substantially perpendicular to firstside outer surface 168 and that extends a distance from first flushmortise-forming surface 178 to full flush mortise depth 174. Preferably,this distance is approximately equal to one third first side thickness163. First flush mortise-forming surface 178 and second flushmortise-forming surface 180 preferably intersect at first flush mortisecorner 182. Flush mortise 172 is preferably also bounded by third flushmortise-forming surface 184 that is substantially parallel to secondouter surface and first side outer surface 168 at full flush mortisedepth 174. Preferably, full flush mortise depth 174 is approximatelyequal to two thirds of first side thickness 165 and full flush mortisedepth 176 is approximately equal to second side thickness 165. Secondflush mortise-forming surface 180 and third flush mortise-formingsurface 184 preferably intersect at second flush mortise corner 186.Flush mortise 172 is preferably also bounded by fourth flushmortise-forming surface 188 that is substantially parallel to first sideend surface 166 and that extends from third flush mortise-formingsurface 184 a distance toward first side outer surface 168 but does notreach it. Preferably, this distance is approximately equal to one thirdof first side thickness 163. Third flush mortise-forming surface 184 andfourth flush mortise-forming surface 188 preferably intersect at thirdflush mortise corner 190. Flush mortise 172 is preferably also boundedby fifth flush mortise-forming surface 192 that is substantiallyparallel to first side outer surface 168 and that extends a distancetoward the plane of second flush mortise-forming surface 180 but doesnot reach it. Preferably, this distance is equal to about one sixth ofsecond side thickness 165. Fourth flush mortise-forming surface 188 andfifth flush mortise-forming surface 192 preferably intersect in fourthflush mortise corner 220. Flush mortise 172 is preferably also boundedby sixth mortise-forming surface 222 that is substantially perpendicularto first side outer surface 168 and that extends a distance to firstside outer surface 168. Preferably, this distance is approximately equalto one third of first side thickness 163. Fifth flush mortise-formingsurface 200 and sixth flush mortise-forming surface 222 preferablyintersect in fifth flush mortise corner 224.

Referring to FIG. 6, second cube side 164 comprises flush tenon 230 thatis configured to fit tightly into flush mortise 172 to produce rightangle corner 170. In this drawing, the elements of flush tenon 230 arecalled out. Second cube side 164 comprises two substantially parallelouter surfaces, inside surface 232 and outside surface 234, with flushtenon 230 having full flush tenon depth 236 and full flush tenon width238. Preferably, full flush tenon depth 236 is approximately equal totwo thirds of first side thickness 163 and full flush tenon width 238 isapproximately equal to second side thickness 165. Flush tenon 230 ispreferably bounded by first flush tenon surface 240 that issubstantially perpendicular to inside surface 232 and outside surface234 and second flush tenon surface 242 that is substantially parallel toinside surface 232 and outside surface 234 and that extends a distanceto full flush tenon depth 236. Preferably, this distance isapproximately equal to one third of first side thickness 163. Firstflush tenon surface 240 and second flush tenon surface 242 preferablyintersect in first flush tenon corner 244. Flush tenon 230 is preferablyalso bounded by third flush tenon surface 246 that is substantiallyperpendicular to second flush tenon surface 242 and that extends adistance to full flush tenon width 238. Preferably, this distance isapproximately equal to two thirds of second side thickness 165. Secondflush tenon surface 242 and third flush tenon surface 246 preferablyintersect at second flush tenon corner 248. Flush tenon 230 ispreferably also bounded by fourth flush tenon surface 250 that is in thesame plane as inside surface 232 and that extends from third flush tenonsurface 246 a distance that is less than full flush tenon depth 236.Preferably, this distance is equal to about one third of first sidethickness 163. Third flush tenon surface 246 and fourth flush tenonsurface 250 preferably intersect at third flush tenon corner 252. Flushtenon 230 is preferably also bounded by fifth flush tenon surface 254that is substantially perpendicular to outer surfaces 232 and 234 andthat extends a distance toward the plane of second flush tenon surface242 less than full flush tenon width 238. Preferably, this distance isequal to about one sixth of second side thickness 165. Fourth flushtenon surface 250 and fifth flush tenon surface 254 preferably intersectat fourth flush tenon corner 260. Flush tenon 230 is preferably alsobounded by sixth flush tenon surface 258 that extends a distance fromfifth flush tenon surface 254 substantially parallel to outer surfaces232 and 234. Preferably, this distance is equal to about one third offirst side thickness 163. Fifth flush tenon surface 254 and sixth flushtenon surface 258 preferably intersect at fifth flush tenon corner 256.Flush tenon 230 is preferably also bounded by seventh flush tenonsurface 262 that extends a distance from sixth flush tenon surface 258substantially perpendicular to outer surfaces 232 and 234 to the outersurface 232. Preferably, this distance is equal to about one sixth ofsecond side thickness 165. Sixth flush tenon surface 258 and seventhflush tenon surface 262 preferably intersect at sixth flush tenon corner264.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in a further embodiment, flush joint system160 comprises first side 162 having flush mortise 172 and flush tenon230. Flush mortise 172 is preferably formed by passing a T-slot cutterthrough the first side 162 to produce a T-shaped slot having overhangingedges and by passing a straight-slot cutter through the first side 162or sawing first side 162 to remove one of the overhanging edges and toleave flush mortise cantilever 268. Flush tenon 230 is preferably formedby passing a straight-slot cutter through first surface 232 to producenotch 274 and by passing the straight-slot cutter through second surface234 of second side 164 to produce an interlocking member shaped so as tobe slidable (preferably tightly slidable) into flush mortise 172.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in another preferred embodiment,interlocking flush joint system 160 preferably comprises first side 162having asymmetrical flush mortise 172 and second side 164 having flushtenon 230. Asymmetrical flush mortise 172 is preferably formed by flushmortise cantilever 268 that is a portion of first side 162 and abutment270 that is another portion of first side 162. Second side 164preferably has asymmetrical flush tenon 230 which is formed by flushtenon cantilever 272 that is a part of second side 164 and notch 274into which flush mortise cantilever 268 is slidable.

The embodiment of flush joint 160 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is preferredbecause the volume that portion of second cube side 164 (in this case,the volume of tenon 246) that is disposed within flush joint 160 properis approximately equal to that volume of the portion of first cube side162 that is disposed within flush joint 160 proper (which volume doesnot include the volume of flush mortise 172). In this disclosure, theterm “flush joint proper” means that portion of first cube side 162lying above a plane drawn through fourth flush mortise-forming surface188 (see FIG. 5) plus that portion of second cube side 164 lying to theright of a plane drawn through first side outer surface 168 (see FIG.5). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flush joint propertakes the form of a square, right prism having a depth equal to thedepth of the material of the cube sides. If one were to lay atwo-dimensional square grid having cell dimensions equal to one sixth offirst side thickness 163 and second side thickness 165 over the flushjoint proper, it would divide the joint proper into 36 smaller, square,right prisms. Eighteen of these smaller, square, right prisms would makeup the volume that portion of second cube side 164 (in this case, thevolume of tenon 246) that is disposed within the flush joint proper andanother eighteen of these smaller, square, right prisms would make upthe volume of the portion of first cube side 162 that is disposed withinthe flush joint proper. From this perspective, the material of each ofthe members joined by flush joint system 160 (i.e. the volume of themale component of the joint or the volume of the female component of thejoint) that is within the flush joint proper can be considered tocomprise about half of the material within the flush joint proper. Byconforming to these proportions (50:50 or 1:1), the applicant's jointsare stronger than those of the background art.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, flush joint system 160 comprises: anasymmetrically-shaped female component (e.g., that portion of first cubeside lying above a plane drawn through fourth flush mortise-formingsurface 188 in FIG. 5) having a first set of dimensions; and anasymmetrically-shaped male component (e.g., flush tenon 230) thatinterlocks with said female component, said asymmetrically-shaped malecomponent having a second set of dimensions; wherein saidasymmetrically-shaped female component has at least seven surfaces andsaid asymmetrically-shaped male component has at least seven connectingsurfaces that contact said at least seven surfaces when the joint systemis assembled. Preferably, said female component and said male componentsare fabricatable with a router that is capable of cutting a slot havinga shape made up of one or more right prisms. Preferably, said femalecomponent is fabricatable from a first workpiece having one thicknessand said male component is fabricatable from a second workpiece havingsubstantially the same thickness. Preferably, each of said first set ofdimensions and each of said second set of dimensions are substantiallyequal to one-third or one-sixth of said thickness. Preferably, thefemale component makes up about half of the material (or area) withinthe joint proper and the make component makes up about half of thematerial (or area) within the joint proper.

Preferred embodiments of the invention include structures thatincorporate one or more of the interlocking structures disclosed herein.Referring to FIG. 7, a preferred embodiment of a bookcase thatincorporates aspects of the invention is presented. In this embodiment,the invention is a quadrilateral (four-sided object) that is capable ofresisting lateral forces. Quadrilateral or frame 280 comprises left side282; front toe piece 288; right side 290; bottom plate 292; top plate294; upper backing piece 296; middle backing piece 298; top left bracingpiece 300; top right bracing piece 302; lower backing piece 304; bottomleft bracing piece 306; bottom right bracing piece 308; toe brace backpiece 310; and back toe piece 312.

Bottom plate 292 has two bottom plate slots 293 that extend part of theway through the plate and a longitudinal groove. As illustrated in FIG.8, left side 282 has left side cutout 281, first front vertical groove285 and first horizontal groove. Right side 290 has right side cutout283, a second front vertical groove and a second horizontal groove. Topplate 294 has an underside groove and two lower mortises that areslidably mountable (e.g., flange jointed) with the left upper tenon ofleft side 282 and the right upper tenon of right side 290.

Referring to FIG. 9, front toe piece 288 has a third horizontal groove,the front toe piece being slidably mountable in the first front verticalgroove of left side 282, the second front vertical groove of right side290 and the longitudinal groove in bottom plate 292. Front toe brace 309is slidably mountable in the first horizontal groove of left side 282,the second horizontal groove of right side 290 and the third horizontalgroove of front toe piece 288.

Upper backing piece 296 has a first pair of backside tracks, said upperbacking piece being slidably mountable in said left track of left side282, said right track of right side 290 and said underside groove of topplate 294. Middle backing piece 298 has a second pair of backsidetracks, said middle backing piece being slidably mountable in said lefttrack and said right track and being interlockable with upper backingpiece 296. Top left bracing piece 300 is slidably mountable in one ofsaid first pair of backside tracks and in one of said second pair ofbackside tracks. Top right bracing piece 308 is slidably mountable inthe other of said first pair of backside tracks and in the other of saidsecond pair of backside tracks. Lower backing piece 304 has a third pairof backside tracks, said lower backing piece being slidably mountable insaid left track and said right track and being interlocked with middlebacking piece 298. Bottom left bracing piece 306 is slidably mountablein one of said second pair of backside tracks and in one of said thirdpair of backside tracks. Bottom right bracing piece 308 is slidablymountable in the other of said second pair of backside tracks and in theother of said third pair of backside tracks.

Referring to FIG. 10, back toe kick 312 has horizontal track 313 and isslidably mountable in the first back vertical groove of left side 282and in the second back vertical groove of right side 290. It isinterlockable with toe brace back piece 310, lower backing piece 304,bottom left bracing piece 306 and bottom right bracing piece 308 bymeans of indents 317 and protrusions 318.

Referring to FIG. 11, toe brace back piece 310 is slidably mountable thefirst horizontal groove of left side kick 284 and the second horizontalgroove 295 of right side kick 286. Initially, toe brace back piece 310is located in the middle of these grooves, as shown here, and then it ismoved to the back of these grooves.

Quadrilateral 280 is preferably supplied in kit form and assembled whereit is to be used. An initial step involves sliding top plate 294 backinto the top grooves of right side 290 and left side 282 until it canmove back no further as shown in FIG. 9. The next step involves slidesaid bottom plate into said left side cutout and said right side cutout.The next step involves sliding first shelf 314 and second shelf 316 intotheir respective grooves located on the inside surfaced right side 290and left side 282.

With the frame assembled, the next step involves sliding upper backingpiece 296 and middle backing piece 298 into the track located at theback of right side 290 and left side 282, starting from the back bottomof the bookshelf, stopping sliding them up when middle backing piece 298is halfway inserted. With the middle backing section now extendinghalfway out of the grooved entry, the next step involves sliding the toptwo bracing pieces, 300 and 302, into the respective tracks located onthe back side of the backing pieces 296 and 298. Then, the next stepinvolves sliding this four unit assembly up until it locks into thegrooves located on the underside of top plate 294. The next stepinvolves sliding the remaining backing piece, 304 up into the trackuntil it locks with middle backing piece 298. Then, the next stepinvolves sliding the remaining two bracing pieces, 306 and 308, into therespective tracks located on the backside of the bottom backing piece304.

The next step involves sliding toe brace front piece 309 into firsthorizontal groove 291 and second horizontal groove 295. The next stepinvolves sliding toe brace back piece 310 until it is in the middle offirst horizontal groove 291 and second horizontal groove 295 as shown inFIG. 11. The next step involves sliding back toe kick up into the backvertical grooves 287 and 297 located at the back ends of right side 290and left side 284 until it locks into backing piece 304 and bracingpieces 306 and 308 located at the bottom back area of the bookshelf. Thefinal step involves sliding toe brace back piece 310 back until it locksinto back toe kick 312.

In a preferred embodiment, bookshelf 280 is constructed of materialshaving a density that is high enough that it can hold the complex edgeconditions that will be expected from it, not only during themanufacturing process but over time, as well when the unit is beingassembled and disassembled. Preferred materials include Woodstalk®material made by Dow chemical and plastics.

In another preferred embodiment, quadrilateral 280 comprises frame 320(comprising right side 290, left side 286, and top plate 294); upperbacking piece 296; middle backing piece 298; top left bracing piece 300;top right bracing piece 302; lower backing piece 304; bottom leftbracing piece 306; and bottom right bracing piece 308. Frame 320 has aleft track, a right track and a groove. Upper backing piece 296 has afirst pair of backside tracks and is slidably mountable in said lefttrack, said right track and said groove. Middle backing piece 298 has asecond pair of backside tracks and is slidably mountable in said lefttrack and said right track and is interlocked with upper backing piece296. Top left bracing piece 300 is slidably mountable in one of saidfirst pair of backside tracks and in one of said second pair of backsidetracks. Top right bracing piece 302 is slidably mountable in the otherof said first pair of backside tracks and in the other of said secondpair of backside tracks. Lower backing piece 304 has a third pair ofbackside tracks, said lower backing piece being slidably mountable insaid left track and said right track and being interlocked with middlebacking piece 298. Bottom left bracing piece 306 is slidably mountablein one of said second pair of backside tracks and in one of said thirdpair of backside tracks. Bottom right bracing piece 308 is slidablymountable in the other of said second pair of backside tracks and in theother of said third pair of backside tracks.

Referring to FIG. 12, a preferred embodiment of cube structure 400 thatincorporates aspects of the invention is presented. In this embodiment,cube structure 400 comprises first pair of side components 402, secondpair of side components 404, backer component 406 and rotationallockdown component 408. Each of said side components is preferablyrectangular or square in overall shape has edges. Two of said edges aresubstantially parallel edges 406 and third edge 408 is substantiallyperpendicular to said substantially parallel edges. Each of said sidecomponents is provided with ledge 420 and radial slot 422 that isoriented substantially parallel to said third edge 408. Each ofsubstantially parallel edges 406 of first pair of side components 404has one of a pair of cube tenons 410. Each of the substantially paralleledges 406 of second pair of side components 402 has one of a pair ofcube mortises 410. One of said pairs of cube tenons 410 slidably fitsinto one of said pair of cube mortises 410 and another of said pairs ofcube tenons 410 slidably fits into another of said pair of cube mortises410, making interlocking joints. Backer component 407 rests on ledge420. Rotational lockdown component has radial tabs 412 that fit intoradial slots 422 when rotational lockdown component 411 is placed onbacker component 407 and rotated about 45 degrees. While radial tabs 412are illustrated as having a uniform thickness in this view, they mayvary in thickness with the leading edge being slightly thinner tofacilitate their insertion in radial slots 422. Alternatively, thevertical height of radial slots may vary, for the same reason.

Referring to FIG. 13, another view of the preferred embodiment of FIG.12 is presented. Cube tenons 410 are engaged with cube mortises 409 inan alternative embodiment of flush joint system 160. In this embodiment,the cantilever portions of cube tenons 410 extend beyond the adjacentinside surface of sides 404. Backer component 407 rests on ledge 420which is incorporated into both pairs of sides 402 an 404. In that sides402 and 404 and backer component 407 are constructed of a transparentmaterial in this embodiment, radial tabs 412 can be seen to be rotatedinto radial slots 422.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 15, one of the substantiallyparallel edges 406 of each of first pair of side components 404incorporates one of the cube tenons 410 and the other of thesubstantially parallel edges 406 of each of first pair of sidecomponents 404 incorporates one of the cube mortises 409. The edges 406of each of second pair of side components 402 incorporate an appropriateone of the cube mortises 409 and one of the cube tenons 410. In thisembodiment, then, the side components are asymmetrical.

In preferred embodiments, cube mortises 409 and cube tenons 410 areconfigured to incorporate one of the joint systems disclosed herein. Ina more preferred embodiment, cube mortises 409 and cube tenons 410 areconfigured to incorporate flush joint system 160.

Assembly of cube structure 400 involves sliding cube tenons 410 intocube mortises 409 to form a four-sided structure. The next step involvesresting backer component 407 on ledge 420. The final step involvesplacing rotational lockdown component 411 on backer component 407 androtating it about 45 degrees to engage radial tabs 412 in radial slots422.

Referring to FIG. 14, another preferred embodiment of storage structure500 that incorporates other aspects of the invention is presented. Inthis embodiment, storage structure 500 comprises first pair of storageside components 502, second pair of storage side components 504, threebacker components 406 (two of which are shown), three rotationallockdown components 411 (two of which are shown). A person havingordinary skill in the art would realize that storage structure 500 couldincorporate any number of rotational lockdown components and associatedbacker components.

Referring to FIG. 15, a preferred embodiment of asymmetrical cubestructure 550 is presented. In this embodiment, asymmetrical cubestructure 550 comprises first pair of asymmetrical side components 552,second pair of asymmetrical side components 554, a backer component (notshown) and a rotational lockdown component (not shown). This embodimentillustrates the fact that preferred embodiments of the invention maycomprise asymmetrical side components joined together by means of anembodiment of flush joint system 160 disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 16, a preferred embodiment of shelf storage structure600 is presented. In this embodiment, shelf structure 600 comprises topcomponent 602, bottom component 604, two slotted side components 606,back component 608 and two interlocking rotational lockdown components610. In this embodiment, in addition to radial tabs 412, components 610also comprise interlocking grips 614 as shown in FIG. 17. One of theinterlocking grips comprises lower tab extension 616 and the othercomprises an upper tab (not shown). A person having ordinary skill inthe art would understand that shelf storage structure 600 may compriseany number of interlocking rotational lockdown components 610. If morethan two interlocking rotational lockdown components 610 are provided,then each component 610 that does not interlock with top component 602or bottom component 604 has two interlocking grips 614.

Referring to FIG. 18, the preferred embodiment of shelf storagestructure 600 of FIG. 16 is shown in an upright position, with storageshelf 618 installed. In this embodiment, slotted side components 606 arepreferably joined to top component 602 and bottom component by anembodiment of means of flush joint system 160 disclosed herein. Storageshelf 618 is preferably attached to slotted side components 606 by meansof shelf joint systems 10. A person having ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that a simple slot or another conventional means mayalso be used to support storage shelf 618 and that any number of shelves618 may be incorporated into shelf storage structure 600.

Referring to FIG. 19, a preferred embodiment of stool structure 650 ispresented. In this embodiment, stool structure 650 comprises backer 407,round rotational lockdown 652 and four arches 654. Arches 654 arepreferably connected by means of an embodiment of flush joint system 160disclosed herein. When stool structure 650 is assembled, the top surfaceof round rotational lockdown 652 is preferably situated above the topsof arches 654 and radial tabs 412 are situated in radial slots 422. In apreferred embodiment (shown in FIG. 20), round rotational lockdown 652has undercuts 653 that allow the user's hands to wrap around itsunderside and turn it like a steering wheel.

Referring to FIG. 21, a preferred embodiment of pedestal structure 700is presented. In this embodiment, pedestal structure 700 comprisesbacker 407, square rotational lockdown 702 and four pedestal sides 704.Pedestal sides 704 are preferably connected by means of an embodiment offlush joint system 160 disclosed herein. When pedestal structure 700 isassembled, outer edges 706 of square rotational lockdown 702 preferablyrest on the tops of pedestal sides 704 and radial tabs 412 are situatedin radial slots 422. As illustrated in FIG. 22, square rotationallockdown 702 preferably has square corners so that when its rotation iscomplete its sides are flush with the outer surfaces of pedestal sides704 and the underside of square rotational lockdown 702 is not visibleto the user.

A person skilled in the art would understand that the joint systems andfurniture components disclosed herein may be used in differentcombinations from the preferred embodiments illustrated herein. Forexample, the applicant has envisioned a dresser (chest of drawers) inwhich the main rectangular frame incorporates the diamond back bracingsystem disclosed herein and the drawers incorporate the two rotationallockdown components. Multiple rotational lockdown components could beincorporated into many of the structures disclosed herein. Many othercombinations are possible.

Many variations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art.Some variations include providing components having shapes similar tothose illustrated herein. Other variations call for providing componentsthat are functionally equivalent to those illustrated herein. All suchvariations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

Although some embodiments are shown to include certain features, theapplicant specifically contemplates that any feature disclosed hereinmay be used together or in combination with any other feature on anyembodiment of the invention. It is also contemplated that any featuremay be specifically excluded from any embodiment of an invention.

1. A structure comprising an interlocking flush joint system, saidinterlocking joint system comprising: a first member with a mortisehaving first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh planaradjacently connected mortise surfaces, each mortise surface beingoriented either parallel or perpendicular to each of six other of saidmortise surfaces, said seventh mortise surface being coincident with aside face of said first member, a second member having a tenon withfirst, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh planar adjacentlyconnected tenon surfaces, each tenon surface being oriented eitherparallel or perpendicular to each of six other of said tenon surfaces,each tenon surface having a full length and full width conforming flushagainst a full length and full width of a respective one of said mortisesurfaces, said third tenon surface being an end face of said secondmember, a first flush mortise corner formed in said second member bysaid first and second tenon surfaces connecting perpendicularly to oneanother, said corner receiving an abutment formed by said first andsecond mortise surfaces connecting perpendicularly to one another, aflush mortise formed by said second, third, fourth and fifth mortisesurfaces, said flush mortise receiving a substantially rectangular flushtenon formed by said second, third, fourth and fifth tenon surfaces,each of said second surfaces sized and arranged to mirror each of saidfourth surfaces to define two opposite sides of said flush tenon and twoopposite sides of said flush mortise, and a notch formed by said fifth,sixth and seventh tenon surfaces, said notch receiving a mortisecantilever formed by fifth, sixth and seventh mortise surfaces, each ofsaid fifth surfaces sized and arranged to mirror each of said seventhsurfaces to define two opposite sides of said notch and two oppositesides of said mortise cantilever, and whereby said first mortise surfaceand said fifth mortise surface lie in a common plane and define anopening there between, said opening receiving a portion of said secondmember there through and being smaller than a distance between saidopposite sides of said flush tenon thereby inhibiting removal of saidflush tenon from said flush mortise.
 2. The structure of claim 1 furthercomprising: a third member; a fourth member; wherein said second memberis joinable to said first member and said third member, and said fourthmember is joinable to said first member and said third member, to form afour-sided structure.
 3. The structure of claim 2 wherein said membershave ledges and radial slots, said structure further comprising: abacker component that is restable on said ledges; and a rotationallockdown component having radial tabs, each of said radial tabs fittinginto one of said radial slots when said rotational lockdown component isplaced on said backer component and rotated.